Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning nuts to be welded to a base such as a steel sheet. The base is located between a pair of relatively movable welding electrodes, one of which has a retractable nut supporting and locating pin with a tapered shoulder, the pin being movable in the electrode and extending from its contact face. A nut is placed on the pin and locked onto the tapered shoulder. As the electrodes move together to a welding position the supporting and locating pin is depressed so that the nut comes into engagement with the contact face of the respective electrode. The nut is consequently freed from its taper lock on the supporting and locating pin as it is pressed against the base by the contact face of the respective electrode. Welding current is then passed between the electrodes through the nut and the base to weld the nut in place.